It has been a while since I updated this blog. But a few hours spent on Skaleby West has prompted me to provide the latest news on progress / lack of progress on the layout and on the second Weston on Trent show.

Skaleby West was constructed last year. It took me nine months from starting it at the end of February, to completion for its debut at the first Weston show last November. Now my plans are to extend the scenic section by constructing a second 4ft x 1ft scenic board. Unfortunately the extension remains at the planning stage. Heavy work commitments have prevented me from making a physical start. The baseboards have not even been built. There are now just 6 months until the second Weston show. At this point last year the baseboards for the original Skaleby West had been built, painted and the track had been laid on the cork base. The holes had been drilled for the point motors and three of the four motors had been fitted. Should I be worried??

My heavy workload should ease soon, and with a half term holiday just a week or so away I may just still manage it. My Dad has been primed to help out with the baseboard construction so that should help things along. There is less track to lay on the new board and no point motors to fit. Should I get the board constructed and track laid before the 6 week summer holiday then I may have a fighting chance.

The modelling has been restricted to more repair work on the original Skaleby West. A couple of station lamps and one of the figures were re-glued onto the board and the track has received a thorough clean. A few trains have been run today.

At least the Weston model railway show is not similarly stuck in the starting blocks! In fact it is bursting at the seams. I am still tying to juggle the 20 layouts which are on my confirmed / provisional list in order to try and fit them in. That extra room looks like it will be needed. I also have another trade stand to fit in. I am sure it will all turn out in the wash!

During the last few weeks I have worked hard on publicity. Adverts have been sent to several magazines and websites. Leaflets have also been taken to many local shows. It was quite encouraging when I made a second visit to the Derby show last Sunday. All of the leaflets I had dropped off on Saturday had gone! I'm glad I had taken some more! Let's hope all those people come.

Until next time...